An integral part of the New York Giants' past two Super Bowl teams kicker Lawrence Tynes grew accustomed to winning in recent years. He doesn't want to get out of the habit now.

That's one reason Tynes was still available when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came calling after Connor Barth tore his right Achilles' tendon playing in a charity basketball game.

Though Tynes a nine-year veteran received offers from other teams he was waiting for one from what he considered a true playoff contender.

"There was a little bit of back and forth between me and my agent over it at one point but I want to win football games'' Tynes said of his decision to pass on other offers and join the Bucs. "I came from a winning program and I think this is going to be a winning program."

The Bucs' talent Tynes said is "through the roof.''

Eight players on the roster have played in a Pro Bowl. Several others including left guard Carl Nicks safety Dashon Goldson and tight end Tom Crabtree have been to a Super Bowl.

"You look at this roster and it's pretty stacked'' Tynes said. "And I know that (the NFC South) is a tough division and that we still have to line up and play all these teams but we're going to be good.''

Coach Greg Schiano chuckled when told of Tynes' comment.

"That's good to hear" Schiano said. "But I don't think he's going to stand up and say 'I came here because I think we're going to stink' either.''

No but it's not like Tynes is the lone newcomer predicting good things for Tampa Bay this season.